Leicester Square

Leicester Square is a pedestrianized square in the West End of London, England. It was laid out in 1670 and named after Robery Sidney, 2nd Earl of Leicester, whose Leicester House stood in the area. The square was originally a gentrified area before becoming more down-market in the late 18th century as Leicester House was demolished and retail developments took place. During the 19th century, several major theatres and cinemas opened at Leicester Square, and the square is still a hub for West End theatre.